Austrian skier Katharina Engelhardt ends career after heart attacks

Austria's 18‑year‑old cross‑country skier Katharina Engelhardt announced she is retiring from professional competition after suffering two heart attacks and a brief medically‑induced coma. The attacks, linked to myocarditis, forced her to spend several days in intensive care in Linz, where doctors implanted a defibrillator and warned of a low chance of recovery.

Engelhardt, a rising talent who won a silver medal at the Austrian national championships in Saalfelden earlier this year, posted a heartfelt message on social media thanking supporters and urging fellow athletes to prioritize their health over performance. She said sport will always remain part of her life, but she must focus on her well‑being.